謙
Modesty
L'Humilité
Qiān
Upper trigram
Earth
Lower trigram
Mountain
The Judgment
Modesty creates success. The noble man brings things to their completion.
The Image
In the midst of the earth is a mountain: the image of Modesty. Thus the noble man reduces that which is too much and increases that which is too little. He weighs things and makes them equal.
Meaning
Modesty, simplicity, balance. True greatness manifests in humility. The moment calls for reducing excess and filling what is lacking.
The six lines
Line 1 (bottom)
The noble man modest in his modesty can cross the great waters. Good fortune.
Line 2
Modesty that expresses itself. Perseverance brings good fortune.
Line 3
The noble man, meritorious and modest, brings things to their completion. Good fortune.
Line 4
There is nothing that is not advantageous in the movement of modesty.
Line 5
No boasting of wealth before one's neighbor. It is advantageous to attack with force. Nothing that is not advantageous.
Line 6 (top)
Modesty that expresses itself. It is advantageous to set armies in motion to chastise one's own city and one's own country.